Constitution Day

Constitution Day is a significant holiday dedicated to the creation of the U.S. Constitution. It is observed every year on September 17th.

History

After the American Revolution ended and the colonies gained independence from British rule, the groundwork for creating the United States began. In 1787, a Constitutional Convention was held, attended by representatives from twelve states (there were thirteen states in total, all former colonies).

The resulting document was named the U.S. Constitution. It established the structure and powers of the three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—and defined how they would interact. Any powers not specifically given to the federal government were reserved for the states. The Constitution also sets out the procedures for electing the president and other key officials.

The Founding Fathers understood the need to update the Constitution as society changed. To avoid conflicts between states, amendments could only be made if they were ratified by at least three-fourths of all states.

Interesting Facts

• The ratification process for the Constitution took more than two years, ending on June 21, 1788.
• Over the life of the Constitution, more than 20 amendments have been made, while over ten thousand proposals for amendments were rejected.
• About half of U.S. presidents (20 individuals) have served more than one term.

How to Take Part

On Constitution Day, read through the key sections of this important document. You can also purchase a souvenir edition of the U.S. Constitution or visit museums and exhibitions dedicated to its history. Learn more about how the Constitution was created and explore the history of the United States.

When is Constitution Day in 2025?

Constitution Day is observed on September 17 each year.

Observations